If you've ever watched a medical TV show, you've probably heard words flying around that sound important but move too fast to catch. I'm a big fan of Grey's Anatomy, and my love for that show is actually what inspired me to put this list together. Some abbreviations, like STAT, BP, or CPR, you'll hear in daily clinical conversations (and in every dramatic hospital scene 😄). Others, like SOB, PRN, or Dx, live quietly in patient charts, handover notes, and medical documentation: written, but rarely spoken aloud. 👇 Learn all 10! (Part 2) 6) Dx - Diagnosis Primarily used in charts, notes, and medical documentation; not usually spoken aloud. In speech, we use "diagnosis". e.g. "Dx: community-acquired pneumonia. Treatment to begin immediately." 7) ECG / EKG /ˌiː siː ˈdʒiː/ or /ˌiː keɪ ˈdʒiː/ - Electrocardiogram A test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It shows if the heart is beating normally. e.g. "An ECG was ordered to check if the patient had a heart attack." 8) ER /ˌiːˈɑːr/ - Emergency Room The part of a hospital where people go when they are seriously ill or injured and need treatment quickly. e.g. "The patient was rushed to the ER after collapsing at work." 9) SOB - Shortness of Breath When a patient has difficulty breathing or feels like they cannot get enough air. A very common symptom in many conditions. e.g."The patient came to the ER with SOB and chest pain." 10) PRN - Pro Re Nata — as needed Give the medication only when the patient needs it — not at fixed times. For example, a painkiller given only when there is pain. e.g. "Paracetamol 500mg PRN for pain, do not give more than 4 times per day."